The Clare Echo 28/03/19

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065 671 9021

lHOMECOMING: On Monday morning last Jean Molony & Mairead Moroney arrived back to Ennis Golf Club and got a hero’s welcome from athletes & volunteers from Ennis Special Olympics Golf Club and a large number of Ennis Golf Club members

clareecho.ie

editor@clareecho.ie

GARDENING

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MOTORING

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28

28 Mar 2019

‘Courage and dignity’ Laura Brennan is laid to rest

STUART HOLLY

U

eeditor@clareecho.ie

P TO 1,000 mourners squeezed into Ennis Cathedral to celebrate the life of HPC vaccine advocate Laura Brennan yesterday.

In his homily, Father Malone remembered Laura as someone who with “courage and dignity” accepted what she could not change and focused on trying to prevent the same fate visiting other young women and men.

Full story PAGE 4

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAR 28 2019

Eircode to tackle illegal dumping?

Index NEWS

2-13

LAHINCH COAST

14-15

ENTERTAINMENT

16

REELING IN 1976

18

GARDENING

20-24

MOTORING

27-30

PROPERTY

31-34

CLASSIFIEDS

36-37

PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

A

The Square, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021

NEWSDESK

Email: editor@clareecho.ie or news@clareecho.ie

SALES

Email: ger.naughton@clareecho.ie or paul.mccarthy@clareecho.ie

lBLONDES HAVE MORE FUN: Samantha McCarthy CLDC, Mary White CLDC and Cllr Mary Howard at the recent CLDC Awards Night at the Old Ground Hotel

Photo by John Mangan

FIGHT against Clare’s “scourge of illegal dumping” could utilise Eircodes to clamp down on what is seen to be a big problem.

In February, elected members of Kerry County Council approved new bylaws on waste collection and disposal following on from a trial by Sligo County Council where waste collectors provide the local authority with the Eircodes of its customers. Clare County Council could follow suit in light of a motion from Cllr Cathal Crowe at their March meeting.

As part of his motion to help curb illegal dumping, he asked that the Council “introduce a compulsory registration scheme for Eircodes.

Establish co-operatives with local environmental groups so that a more expansive covert CCTV system can be employed in Clare.”

On the possibility of using Eircodes, Director of Physical Development, Carmel Kirby highlighted, “Sligo County Council has informed Clare Council County that ‘The Eircodes Pilot is still a work in progress and they are currently reviewing the concerns raised by the Data

Protection Commissioner (DPC)’.

In February 2019 the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) highlighted that it had ‘concerns about private waste companies passing customers Eircodes to local authorities to identify households without a private waste collection’”. Kirby confirmed they would wait for “further guidance on this matter”.

Nationally engagements are being carried out to examine the potential of CCTV for identifying culprits guilty of such a crime. “Clare County Council would be interested in exploring such an initiative in order to highlight to the public the scale of the problem and the resources that are expended in dealing with it,” she confirmed.

Kirby added, “We are willing to assist any group to organise beach clean-ups but we require that such clean-ups must be registered in advance with the Environment Section so that the practicalities of waste disposal are considered and dealt with properly”.

Cllr Crowe felt the assistance of Eircodes would “collate information and detect dumping in a more efficient way”. The Fianna Fáil general election candidate suggested that a trail camera which costs under €140 be used in communities.

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4

NEWS

THURSDAY, MAR 28 2019

'Laura's personal goodness was evident all through her life'

STUART HOLLY

H

editor@clareecho.ie

PV vaccine advocate Laura Brennan has been laid to rest in a private family burial ceremony.

Prior to the Ennis native's Funeral Mass yesterday, family members said their final farewells to Laura at Drumcliffe Cemetary.

Up to 1,000 mourners squeezed into Ennis Cathedral to celebrate the life of Laura (26), who succumbed to cervical cancer. Laura has been credited with saving countless lives through her work campaigning for the HPV vaccine.

Father Pat Malone, co-Parish Priest of the Abbey Pastoral Area, was chief celebrant of the Mass which was attended by Laura’s family, friends and the local parish community. Bishop Fintan Monahan, Bishop of Killaloe presided at the liturgy, while Bishop Willie Walsh, Bishop Emeritus of Killaloe, proclaimed the Gospel.

RTE's Late Late Show presenter Ryan Tubridy and Health Minister Simon Harris were in attendance

while an Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and President Michael D Higgins were represented by their respective Aide de Camps.

Items brought forward for the presentation of symbols included Laura's Clare ladies football jersey from when she won an All-Ireland Féile medal in 2006, a CD of her favourite musical, The Greatest Showman, and a detention slip from St Flannan’s College, a nod to Laura's mischevious nature in school. Bernie, Laura's mother, brought forward a picture of Bailey, Laura's beloved white Maltese.

In his homily, Father Malone addressed the Brennan family and acknowledged the "difficult and lonely journey [Colin] had to undertake from your work with Concern in Syria to be present".

Speaking about Laura, he continued, "We need to remember that Laura loved life, the excitement of life, the parties, the holidays, the concerts, the weekends away, time for personal pampering and of course high quality beauty products. Her personal goodness was evident all through her life and it was not unknown for her to reach out to a homeless person on the

lLAID TO REST: Family and friends said their final farewells to Laura Brennan at Ennis Cathedral yesterday afternoon

street, stopping to talk and check if it was tea or coffee that would satisfy the immediate need.

"Laura with great courage and with passion threw herself into promoting the HPV vaccine. With courage and dignity she accepted what she could not change and focused on trying to prevent the same fate visiting other young women and men. She approached

the HSE and we know the results of that partnership. She tells it as it is and I quote, 'I just want to be clear that I have no vested interest in promoting this vaccine, in fact as highlighted recently, its brought me some negative attention I could have done without. I have cancer as a result of a common virus and that brings with it no shame'.

She then goes on to say, 'my only

reason for getting involved is my desire to save other families from going through this, to save other parents from watching their child suffer from a preventable illness.'

"Larry and Bernie, when Laura Joanne was born you said you knew her as a gift from God to you, now in the assurance of your faith, you gift her back to God." A communion reflection was read by Laura's brother Kevin, while her dad Larry and brother Fergal gave words of thanks.

Bishop Monahan also remarked that Laura was an "outstanding person. I was struck by her strength of character, her determination, her belief in what she was doing and above all by her warmth and humanity. We all know she was very special and she will be missed terribly, by so many. However, as we heard here today and know well her legacy as a person and her advocacy will live on and achieve so much that is good, that is true, that is beautiful."

Laura will be very sadly missed by her loving parents Bernie and Larry, brothers Colin, Fergal and Kevin, uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives and friends.

6

NEWS

€100k boost for hurlers CLUB Clare funding gave Clare hurling a boost of almost €100k in 2018.

The independent fundraising group for Clare hurling had a total expenditure of just over €136,000 for the year, with €74,681 of this directly benefitting the Clare senior hurlers.

The funds were used towards contributing to meals, travel, equipment, nutrition and performance enhancement.

An additional €23,762 was used to benefit the underage development squads, an important directive of the Club Clare group.

Meanwhile, a fundraising event 'Who Wants to be a Fivethousandaire' in aid of Clare hurling teams takes place on Friday, April 26 at Treacys West County Hotel.

A prize payout of up to €40,000 features on the night as eight contestants will be chosen with each playing for €5,000.

Two ticket options are available, individual tickets cost €20 while a group option which includes four adults or two adults with three children costs €50.

For details of the event or to purchase a ticket, email clubclaretreasurer@gmail.com.

THURSDAY, MAR 28 2019

Amanda wants Major say in future of Ennis PÁRAIC McMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

FULL-TIME student and a mother of three, Amanda Major has a busy schedule as it is but now she wants to become the first female Nigerian councillor elected in Ireland.

Amanda Major has lived in Co Clare for the past 12 years and in May will contest the local elections as an Independent candidate. “I want to be a voice for people who are not being listened to, things have to change. You don’t have to know somebody to get something, you don’t have to be sick, health care is a basic human right”.

Conforming to party policies has put her off joining any current polit-

ical grouping though she stressed that despite being an Independent she will be a team player if endorsed by the electorate of the Ennis Municipal District.

“Listening, taking action and following up are very important to me. I’ll be looking at mental health, it is a big issue.” Running awareness courses for parents at pre-school facilities and offering professional support for those with children facing behaviour challenges and disabilities would help in this regard, Amanda says.

Now in Ireland 16 years, Amanda lived in Monaghan, Scariff and Shannon before settling in Ennis. She has always voted in elections and referenda but admitted that she hasn’t followed local politics since moving to Clare in 2007.

An Irish citizen since 2015, she previously lived in Direct Provision for

l IN THE RACE:Amanda Major

four years and is keen to see it abolished. “I was moved from one place to another. When I was in Direct Provision I was training myself, I was getting my mind ready, going from one course to another but not everybody is like that, it’s frustrating to live in that situation."

Clare has never elected a Nigerian candidate but Ms Major told The Clare Echo that she felt there is

Photo by Martin Connolly

now a different environment than when she first arrived. “I think Clare is changing, Ennis is changing. Someone said to me if I was elected, I would be the very first black female councillor in Ireland, that would be great for Clare”.

Though it has not always been so positive and the aftermath of St Patrick’s Day 2014 stands out in that regard as Amanda recalled vividly, “I was walking

with my two girls down O’Connell St and this elderly man walked straight to me, looked me into the face and goes ‘black bitch go back to your country’ he said that and I was with my kids. It was after St Patrick’s Day, we were so happy and delighted, I would have walked away but I was with the kids so I walked back to him and I said ‘hello how are you, I’m actually Irish, are you okay’ and extended my hand and of course he would not shake hands with me. He didn’t say anything. I said to my children, ‘he is not nice, people are not like that, he is a grumpy old man so don’t listen to him’”.

She added, “That was a once off. Canvassing around has been brilliant, I met a lady the other day and she invited me in for a cup of tea, it has been very positive I’m a very positive person I don’t dwell in the past, it was a once off ”.

THURSDAY, MAR 28 2019

Tulsi top of the world...

STUART HOLLY

T

editor@clareecho.ie

ULSI have moved to thank their customers after being named the ‘Best World Cuisine’ restaurant in Clare at the Irish Restaurant Awards.

The Munster Regional Final for the 2019 Irish Restaurant Awards took place in the Strand Hotel, Limerick, last night where awards were presented to the country’s leading chefs, restaurants and pubs.

Over 550 people attended the third of four regional events on Wednesday evening, where the top establishments in each county were named.

The awards covered a wide range of venues and the winners from each of Munster’s six counties were selected across a number of categories, with Tulsi picking up the award for ‘Best World Cuisine’.

Tulsi, along with all of those who won at county level ,will now compete for the Regional and All Ireland Titles, which will be announced at the Irish Restaurant Awards.

These will be held in the Clayton Hotel,

Dublin on Monday May 13, 2019.

Speaking after the award win, Tulsi said, “We are delighted to announce that Tulsi Restaurant just has been awarded the prestigious Irish Restaurant award for Best World Cuisine.

“We want to wholeheartedly thank all our customers who have been constantly supporting and nominated us.

“We assure to all our customers that we will go a long way with the same objective.

And we need your support. Good food and customer satisfaction are our first priority.”

Other local winners included McHugh’s (Pub of the Year), Peckish at Meanwell Wholefoods (Best “Free From”), Wild Honey Inn (Best Restaurant, chef and manager), Little Fox in Ennistymon (Best Newcomer), Gregan’s Castle (Best Hotel and Guesthouse, and customer service), Hazel Mountain Chocolate (Best café), Dromoland Castle (Best Wine Experience), Pot Duggans Pub (Best Gastro Pub), JP Clarke’s (Best Kids Size Me), Birgitta Hedin Curtin of Burren Smokehouse (Best local food hero), Kieran’s Kitchen (Best Emerging Irish Cuisine), and Linnane’s Lobster Bar (Best Casual Dining).

l TASTY AWARD: Management at Tulsi Restaurant at Carmody Street in Ennis and (below) some dishes available at the popular Indian restaurant. Tulsi has just picked up the Best World Cuisine regional award at the Irish Restaurant Awards

NEWS

7

8 NEWS

More twins on way at Clair farm PÁRAIC McMAHON

I

paraic@clareecho.ie

N FEBRUARY 2017, the one in a billion birth of four identical quad heifers on the Clair farm in Maghera, Lahinch received national coverage and now two of the foursome are expecting twins.

Rosie, Fluffie, Mia and Jenny are now two years old, their mother Bawny, a Hereford cross, this month gave birth to twins. Bawny has now had 15 calves in 11 years and despite farming for over 70 years, Tom Clair has never seen her likes.

“By God she’s one of the best, it’s often three

of them wouldn’t produce 15 calves in their lifetime,” he told The Clare Echo. “I figured she was carrying the twins this year,” he said.

Two years ago Tom made a similar prediction but received a pleasant surprise when not one but two extra additions arrived in what geneticists have classed a one in a billion birth.

This time round, Tom didn’t expect any surprises, “I didn’t but you could expect anything out of that lady”.

He added, “Anyone can have twins, a lot of them have twins but it’s the fact the quads are gone in calving and carrying twins is what’s making it special again”.

“There are two of them carrying twins, they are due to calve in September or October, it will be all go again.

“They made mighty news that time,” he recalled of their birth and how camera crews from all over travelled to their farm near Ennistymon.

Labelled as Ireland’s happiest farmer at the time, Clair was nonplussed with what others thought but admitted to enjoying the subsequent All-Ireland Ploughing Championships. “The week of the ploughing was the highlight of it all. All the people that went through to the stand to see them for the three days, you couldn’t put a figure on it”.

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THURSDAY, MAR 28 2019

Town status at Westbury?

TOWN status could be afforded to Westbury, Shannon Banks and Carraig Midhe if approved by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

Citing “its large population, urban centre and recognised large settlement status in the Clare County Development Plan”, Cllr Cathal Crowe called on Shannon Municipal District to seek town status for Westbury, Shannon Banks and Carraig Midhe at its March meeting. The Fianna Fáil Cllr then asked for public consultation to take place regarding a suitable name if approved.

Crowe said that he held several conversations with Brian McCarthy, the Council’s senior planner regarding the proposal. “This particular settlement of the county, though it is only behind Ennis and Shannon in its density, is only considered a village,” he said.

Athlunkard was his preferred choice of a name, “it is a mix of old Irish and Nordic because the Vikings settled there,” Crowe recalled. “They don’t have a traditional streetscape but they have the commercial side, this community is not able to avail of the town funding, the people there feel the outpost of this county, it is a part of our county with an old identity,” the Westbury resident added.

Sinn Féin’s Mike McKee seconded the motion and felt there were similarities between the area and Shannon. “It is made up of housing estates and you’d say why should it be a town and I’ll tell you why, it’s the same as Shannon. Shannon started out with just Drumgeely and it was tiny and pathetic but it has grown since. There is no reason if Shannon is a town that Westbury, Carraig Midhe and Shannonbanks shouldn’t be the same.”

It is expected that correspondence from the Department will be forwarded to councillors of the Shannon Municipal District prior to their next meeting in May.

10 NEWS

LIT Ennis campus teams up with ECFE

STUART HOLLY

L

editor@clareecho.ie

IMERICK Institute of Technology (LIT), Ennis Campus, and the Ennis College of Further Education (ECFE) have this week signed an agreement that will provide a seamless transition for ECFE graduates to higher education at LIT Ennis. The contract will also copper fasten the relationship between the education providers based in the new Ennis Education Quarter.

Under the agreement LIT will acknowledge ECFE as a preferred link provider to LIT Ennis. This means that the courses provided by ECFE are recognised by LIT Ennis as offering a right of entry to its Ennis programmes, based on the student achieving a full Further Education Award from ECFE. This special progression relationship will begin in September 2019 and coincide with the opening of the new LIT campus on Bindon Street, Ennis.

For more than a decade and a half, LIT has been providing higher education courses in Clare. During those years, ECFE has been one if its main further education student providers.

Announcing the new agreement between the two education providers, President of LIT Professor Vincent Cunnane said both parties

lBUILDING A BRIDGE: President of LIT, Prof Vincent Cunnane and Principal of ECFE Brian O’Donoghue with (back) Marie O’Callaghan, Director ECFE, Terry Twomey VP Academic Affairs and Yvonne Walsh Deputy Principal Photo by Eamon Ward

acknowledge the benefits of a mutually supportive relationship.

“This progression agreement acknowledges the special relationship between LIT Ennis and ECFE as collocated education providers within the Education Quarter in Ennis...Ennis College of Education wel-

comes LIT to Bindon Street. This partnership allows us to provide the highest quality programmes in the Education Quarter of Ennis. Along with Ennis Community College and Gaelcholáiste an Chláir, ECFE looks forward to an exciting future working closely with LIT.”

THURSDAY, MAR 28 2019

Approaches made to child by imposter A GARDA investigation has been launched after one child kicking a soccer ball in Ennis was approached by a man claiming to be a scout for an English soccer club.

Soccer clubs in the county have been contacted by the Clare Schoolboys/Schoolgirls Soccer League (CSSL) after one young boy who was on his own playing soccer in Lees Rd was summoned by a man who pretended to be a scout for a prominent club in England.

Dermot Mahony, Public Relations Officer and Vice Chairman of the CSSL told The Clare Echo that the safety of children remains their number one priority. “In a scenario like this the most important thing in the CSSL, we have about 2,500 kids and they are the important thing. We must ensure that any kids that are in our care and in the care of coaches are well looked after and there are no incidents, that is paramount for the CSSL. “We remind parents to always be careful, the measures we have in place in the CSSL are very strict, all our coaches would have Garda vetting and child protection courses done, that comes from the FAI and it’s the new law nowadays so we to abide by it and it’s enforced very strictly,” the Moneypoint clubman stated.

The Clare Echo understands an Ennis Town FC coach reported the incident to Gardaí. The club posted on social media to flag the occurrence. A spokesperson for the Ennis club stated that the child involved was not a member of their club. Gardaí are currently investigating the incident.

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NEWS

THURSDAY, MAR 28 2019

11

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12 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, MAR 28 2019

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

THE BLESSINGS OF OUR MOTHER’S

T

HE occasion of Mother’s Day which is upon us is extraordinary for all of us. Mother’s Day is a special day. Each year we pause to think about our mothers and those amazing women who have shaped our lives.

We give thanks to God and share memories as we think about our mothers who have gone before us.

We give thanks to God and reach out in love to our mothers who are in our lives today. We give thanks to God and celebrate those, who like mothers, have shaped us.

We give thanks to God and celebrate those who are mothers, or like mothers, to the ones we love.

It’s a time to love, kiss and hug the most precious creation of God our Mom! All through our lives we love to put our heads in the lap of our mothers, unmindful of our status, position and standing.

For her, we will always remain the small child, but this is the day to visit our Mom, spend time with her, hold her hands and reassure her of our love and care. Mother’s Day is a great reason to honor our mother’s and express gratitude for all the hugs, cuddles, kisses and lullabies she has endowed upon us. Mothers bear the hardships and the joys in bringing up a child.

A Mother is the epitome of love, serenity and forgiveness. Mother’s Day holds great significance for all of us. It’s that time of the year to let your mother know that no one loves her more than her own children. It’s a time to be grateful to your mother who’s mainly the most loving, kind-hearted, understanding and caring person in your life. So this weekend celebrate Mother’s Day with non-stop surprises and have a beautiful time on this day. Get your entire family together if you can. Treat your mom like a queen by presenting her with a beautiful gift.

It may not be the most precious gift, but must be the embodiment of your true emotions. Mother’s Day poses as a great opportunity to pamper your mother for all

that she has done for you over the years. You can never repay the debts, but on Mother’s Day, you can create a magical place for your mother to be delighted and fly high on love and life. As usual a story or two might help us better to understand.

When God Created Mothers When God was creating mothers, He was into His sixth day of “overtime” when the angel appeared and said. “You’re doing a lot of fiddling around on this one.”

And God said, “Have you read the specs on this order?” She has to be completely washable, but not plastic. Have 180 moveable parts... all replaceable. Run on black coffee and leftovers. Have a lap that disappears when she stands up. A kiss that can cure anything from a broken leg to a disappointed love affair! And six pairs of hands.” The angel shook her head slowly and said. “Six pairs of hands.... no way.”

It’s not the hands that are causing me problems,” God remarked, “it’s the three pairs of eyes that mothers have to have.” That’s on the standard model?” asked the angel. God nodded. One pair that sees through closed doors when she asks, ‘What are you kids doing in there?’ when she already knows!

Another here in the back of her head that sees what she shouldn’t but what she has to know, and of course the ones here in front that can look at a child when he or she goofs up and say.

‘I understand and I love you’ without so much as uttering a word.”

God,” said the angel touching his sleeve gently, “Get some rest tomorrow....” I can’t,” said God, “I’m so close to creating something so close to

myself. Already I have one who heals herself when she is sick...can feed a family of six on one pound of hamburgers...and can get a four year old to stand under a shower.”

The angel circled the model of a mother very slowly. “It’s too soft,” she sighed. But tough!” said God excitedly. “You can imagine what this mother can do or endure.”

Can it think?” Not only can it think, but it can reason and compromise,” said God. Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek. There’s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told You that You were trying to put too much into this model.” It’s not a leak,” said the Lord, “It’s a tear.” “What’s it for?” “It’s for joy, love, kindness, sadness, empathy, disappointment, pain, loneliness, and pride.”

“You are a genius,” said the angel.

Sombrely, God said, “I didn’t put it there.”

A Mother’s Day Prayer A lovely prayer that I like to pray about Mother’s now and then goes as follows, “Let us praise those mothers who have striven to balance the demands of work, marriage, and children with an honest awareness of both joy and sacrifice. Let us praise those mothers who, lacking a good

model for a mother, have worked to become a good mother. Let us praise those mothers who by their own account were not always there for their children, but who continue to offer those children, now grown, their love and support. Let us pray for those mothers who have been wounded by the neglect and hostility of their children. Let us praise those mothers who, despite divorce, have remained in their children’s lives. Let us praise those mothers whose children are adopted, and whose love and support has offered healing. Let us praise those mothers who, as stepmothers, freely choose the obligation of motherhood and earned their step children’s love and respect.

Let us praise those mothers who have lost a child to death, and continue to hold the child in their heart. Let us praise those women who have no children, but cherish the next generation as if they were their own. Let us praise those women who have “mothered” us in their role as mentors and guides. Let us praise those women who are about to become mothers; may they openly delight in their children. And let us praise those mothers who have died, but live on in our memory and whose love continues to nurture us.”

Thought for the week As your thought for the week make your Mother feel the most special woman in the world by showing your care, love and affection. Most of all let your Mother know how much you love her not just for Mothers Day but for all time. Spend as much time as you can loving and caring for the people who truly love you. Enjoy each moment with them before it’s too late. There

is nothing more important than family and there is nothing like your Mother!!! Make your mother and the mother of your children feel the most special woman in the world by showing your care, love and affection. Most of all let your mother know how much you love her, for life is short and time is running out. Most all of us have been blessed by a mother or someone like a mother in our lives. Mother’s Day is a time to pause, remember, give thanks to God, and share our gratitude with those who have shaped us.

Take some intentional time to be with family. And, let them know you love them and thank God for them. Blessings to all Mother’s and inspiring Women in our lives this Mother’s Day and every day! Let me finish with this prayer poem to wish a very Happy Mother’s Day to all our Mums both living here on earth and those who, like Jesus, have been lifted up from the earth, forever to be with us in our hearts. For all of them - mothers by blood, mothers by heart—a blessing on this Mother’s Day with this prayer poem of one of my favourite spiritual writers, Jan Richardson... called - “Blessing the Mothers” - ‘Who are our first sanctuary. Who fashion a space of blessing with their own being: with the belly, the bone and the blood or, if not with these, then with the durable heart that offers itself to break and grow wide, to gather itself around another as refuge, as home. Who lean into the wonder and terror of loving what they can hold but cannot contain. Who remain in some part of themselves always awake, a corner of consciousness keeping perpetual vigil. Who know that the story is what endures, is what binds us, is what runs deeper even than blood and so they spin them in celebration of what abides and benediction on what remains: a simple gladness that latches onto us and graces us on our way in every way imaginable and makes it possible. Amen’. Love you Mary Scully and Jacqui O’Grady!!

OPINION/ADVICE

THURSDAY, MAR 28 2019

13

Eoin Neylon

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

Vote for your children

faidh sí”. It’s a phrase anyone who studied Irish at school will remember.

American paediatrician Dr Benjamin Spock made a name for himself preaching encouragement and praise as a better means of child development than discipling. The Irish, it seems from this proverb, were centuries ahead of Dr Spock. Another common proverb with a biblical entomology is, “Out of the mouth of babes comes truth”. No more obvious place could this be seen in recent times than by the scores of secondary school students who walked out of class to demonstrate their utter frustration with the body politic when it comes to climate change. As the title of Al Gore’s docufilm goes, for many, climate change is still an inconvenient truth. Students in Clare were not to be found wanting. They left their classrooms and in one coherent voice told us that theirs is the future. The mix of greed, ignorance, naivety and/or incompetence of the current generations in power when it comes to climate change means that instead of making things better since the issue was proven back in the 1970s, we’ve made it worse. And my generation are no better. We continue to talk but fail to walk.

Ireland is still the largest producers of plastic waste per capita in Europe.

We still have appalling numbers of people who walk and cycle to school or work. Public transport across the country is still a mess. And, we refuse to embrace new environmental friendlier technologies like electric cars, instead continuing to rely on fossil fuels. Whenever a renewable energy production

facility is proposed, we fall over ourselves to object.

We need to wake up. When I was a pupil at St Flannan’s College, a huge number of classmates cycled and walked to school. For those of us coming from the country, we were dropped at the edge of the grounds and walked up the land way from College View.

Nowadays, the queue of cars, often SUVs, waiting to pull into the school grounds and drive up to the front door to drop off the kids is depressing.

Health and safety gone a

‘‘

but for your great grandchildren, not facing into a biannual hurricane might be a small price to pay.

So, is this article a call to arms to those young people to keep campaigning? No. I’m fully confident they will keep campaigning regardless of what anyone says. Is this article a call to action for politicians to get serious about climate change? No. If they aren’t already committed to this, they are either incapable or unwilling to act. Some current politicians of all colours are very active in promoting greener policies, and we need more like them. No, this article is a call of action to you, the reader. Be like your children. When it boils down to it, yours is the power to say stop.

You have all the power to herald a new way of doing things that will ensure our descendants aren’t trapped on a planet undergoing a runaway greenhouse effect.

An election poster ban, which favour the incumbent candidate at election time, sounds like a good start, but how about candidates that are committed to making the county single use plastic free. Those that institute a bottle return deposit scheme, advance electric car charging points, ban diesel buses from parking in council bus stops in favour of bio-fuelled vehicles, or change the county development plan to make it that commercial developments over a certain footprint must incorporate green roof or roof mounted collar panels into their design to get approval.

These are the measures that will make a long-term difference to reducing our carbon footprint and give future generations a chance to undo the damage we’ve done. To get them though, we must stop selfishly voting with our pockets, giving a number one to the first person who promises to cut taxes. Instead we should vote with our children’s future in mind.

An election poster ban, which favour incumbent candidates, sounds like a good start...

‘‘

“M

OL an óige agus tioc-

bit mad, perhaps. It’s just one example but there are so many more around just County Clare alone.

So back to the phrase, “Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí”. The actions of these teenagers must be praised as they were much more courageous than 99% of us in standing up for the future of our planet. Having a re-useable coffee cup is great, but so is turning unused appliances and lights off completely, switching machines to eco mode, sourcing goods which are produced locally.

Better yet, why not grow your own vegetables? And when someone comes up with plans to put a wind power generation station on the hill 2 km away from you, why not put the objection letter down and think about future generations. Yes, the view of the sweeping hill you enjoy might be interrupted,

065 6828 383

www.cahirsolicitors.com

36 Abbey Street, Ennis

Transferring the family farm: things to consider “THE FAMILY FARM IS MORE THAN A BUSINESS , IT’S A LEGACY AND LIFESTYLE WORTH PRESERVING” - WILLIAM CAHIR

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RE you ready to retire?

Transferring the farm to somebody else means that you will no longer be in control of the farm business. Can you accept that you will have to stand back and let the control you had at the farm go, or change the input you have?

You will need to look at somebody else making the decisions that you have been making all of your life and the style of the next generation may not be similar to yours. Change can be challenging. Are you ready to give up effective and long-term control? With other family members – have you addressed any possible future conflict, stress or misunderstanding? Do you wish to transfer land or a site to any of your children? Considerations must be given to specifically identifying the land or site on a map and transferring it prior to the transfer of the farm. Have you discussed the proposed change to the business structure as part of your estate and succession plan as they are related and one must be considered in the other.

What provisions are being made for your spouse, if the farm is changing to the next generation, in the event of either of your demise? Is the farm house staying with the farm or is that to be retained separately in your name/s.

Do you have sufficient income to support you through your retirement years, have you considered additional costs of living in the event of medical or care needs in later life? Proper planning is a necessity for retirement.

The financial position of the next generation As a retiree your financial situation is a huge factor to be considered. You should also give thought and planning to the position of the person who you propose transferring the farm to. Is the farming enterprise big enough and sufficient to generate an adequate income for them or, indeed, two of you if you intend remaining on the farm in a work capacity and earning from it? Does the next generation farmer have a mortgage and other financial commitments? Will the farm be able to meet those financial commitments?

Taxation Implications There are always taxation implications in the transfer of any assets; Capital Gains Tax (Capital Acquisitions Tax) and stamp duty need to be considered. There are very generous allowances under each of these taxes and each circumstance needs to be looked at individually. There are certain trigger dates to maximise the tax efficiencies available - 66 years of age

for the retiree and 35 years of age for the young farmer. Income tax can also be a significant factor to consider when planning for a retirement. The Taxation Rules will apply to anybody transferring the farm and the Commencent Rules will apply to a young farmer taking over. These need to be considered with your accountant. Will the young farmer qualify for stamp duty relief under the Young Farmer relief?

Farm Partnerships Teagsc defines a Farm Partnership as “a business arrangement where the profits from that business are shared among the partners in the partnership”.

Since 2002, partnerships have been used as a structure to amalgamate two or more farming businesses into one structure, known as inter family partnerships (between two farm families).

In recent years the Government has put a big emphasis on more collaborative farming. There are many reliefs available to partnerships to maximise the business of farming from a tax efficient stance.

If a partnership is formed and if one of the partners qualifies as a young trained farmer, there are particular requirements to be met to avail of the tax advantages.

The young farmer must be added to the existing herd number using an ER1.1 form. The young farmer must be named on the partnership bank account and sign a legal declaration that they have effective and long-term control, either solely or jointly. Payment of the Young Farmer topup may be obtained on up to a maximum of 50 activated entitlements declared by the partnership in the year of application.

But as a farm partnership is a business like any other business involving more than one person it should have an agreement in place like any other business arrangement, there must be a way out in case it doesn’t work out as the partners envisaged. More particularly as the business comprises of family often a clear roadmap to exit the partnership is more than helpful when tensions are high. A Partnership Agreement should provide for all foreseen difficulties that could arise in the future. Like any business agreement it should contain a clear conflict-resolution process for the smooth running of the partnership and recommend mediation to support family relationships and the most desired outcome for people involved and the farm itself.

Every Farm & Farming relationship is different – your own personal individual advice is crucial. Call WIlliam Cahir Solicitor on 065 6828383 or email williamcahir@cahirsolicitors for a meeting.

14 BUSINESS PROFILE

THURSDAY, MAR 28 2019

Lahinch Coast Hotel a big hit

Co-owners set for sizzling summer after big refurb STUART HOLLY

T

editor@clareecho.ie

HE newly-refurbished Lahinch Coast Hotel has opened its doors under new management.

The Clare Echo this week took a look inside the beautiful 144room establishment, which has undergone major changes since co-owners and joint managers John and Bríd O’Meara took the reins.

Bríd and John O’Meara, previously of the popular Red Cliff Lodge in Spanish Point, opened the doors on March 8 for the first time following a rebrand and redesign of the entire ground floor, including the reception area, drawing room, lounge, bar, two restaurants and a new café (designed by the talented Paul Haffey). All that’s left now is a fresh coat of paint on the building’s exterior and the O’Mearas will be ready for the buzzy summer trade that descends on Lahinch each year.

However the O’Mearas will be putting strong emphasis on more than seasonal trade, telling The Clare Echo that great attention to detail has gone on opening their doors to the local public. With this in mind, the hotel - which traditionally closed for the long winter - will now remain open for the majority of the year going forward with offerings at the café, bar and restaurant along with the full leisure facilities. And just to make life even easier for patrons, a new entrance has been added on the main street side of the premises into the bar.

“Getting open was the difficult part but thankfully we have been really busy since we have opened, so we’re not complaining,” John begins.

“We opened full-time – historically they would have just opened weekends in March but we stay open. And at the tailend of the season we’re going to stay open longer until after New Year’s Eve and reopen Valentine’s weekend. The season in Lahinch, with the surfing and golf, is getting longer.”

The husband and wife team are dab hands at working as a team, following on from their time together at Red Cliff Lodge and before that, Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare, where the pair worked together prior to getting married and moving to Clare.

Mallow native John is working in a very hands-on manageri-

al role while Bríd - also tasked with raising their two young children Keyleigh (8) and Paddy (5) - will also be welcoming guests alongside heading up the sales and marketing side of the business.

Speaking about what people can expect from Lahinch Coast Hotel, John continues: “We rebranded the hotel, renamed the hotel, renamed the bar. We’ve called the bar and restaurant the Aberdeen Bar and Restaurant, which is a connection with the past as the hotel was once called the Aberdeen Arms Hotel. A lot of the local people are happy with that, it’s brought a connection to the past. The big thing for us was to welcome locals, make it as much as a community hotel as possible and including a new entrance from the main street is part of that. We’re accommodating communions, Mother’s Day bookings, any family gatherings. We want it to be a hotel for the community. Thankfully it’s going well, bar food especially the last two weekends has been incredibly busy.”

With more than 40 people employed most of whom are from the Lahinch and Miltown areas - John and Bríd expect to have over 80 employed during peak season, which will be a huge addition to the local economy.

One of these employees includes Head Chef David Gouman, originally from France. Living in Ireland over 20 years, he has worked at esteemed establishments such as the Savoy, Limerick and Annacarriga Estate. That’s one of the things we’re so happy with. David creates great food and is great with staff,” says Bríd, originally from Currow, Co Kerry.

She adds that huge emphasis is going on local produce when it comes to food, but also teaming up with local tourist providers to give visitors the best North Clare experience possible. “We’re working with local surf schools, the ferry companies in Doolin, Moher Hill Farm for the kids… We’re sending business their way but it’s working to our advantage because we’re making something more attractive from a tourism point of view, give people a flavour of the area.

We’re just using what we have on our doorstep and pushing the whole Wild Atlantic Way.” With the Irish Open coming to Lahinch this July, the pair say they are ready for all the summer has in store for them, and indeed into the future.

Bríd adds, “It’s been hugely positive so far.

People are saying ‘Oh my God Lahinch really needed this’. We’re getting it out there that the food is good. We’re very aware the place looks great and you have to have the service to match it and thankfully, so far so good.”

THURSDAY, MAR 28 2019

BUSINESS PROFILE 15

lSTUNNING: The new interior of the Lahinch Coast Hotel after its refurb including the Aberdeen Bar & Restaurant (above and left) and the spacious lobby area (top left).

Pictured far left are co-owners Bríd and John O’Meara Photos by Martin Connolly

Entertainment DRUID PRESENTS ‘FURNITURE‘

BY SONYA KELLY

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RUID’S production of Furniture by Sonya Kelly comes to glór following its sell-out run at the Mick Lally Theatre as part of the Galway International Arts Festival 2018.

Written by Sonya Kelly (The Wheelchair on my Face, How to Keep an Alien), Furniture is a lighthearted new play about perceptions and possessions. Told through the lives of six individuals, this fresh comedy looks at how the things we own shape our worldview, and even ourselves.

Described as ‘wickedly insightful’ (The Irish Times), ‘laugh-out-loud funny’ (The Sunday Times) and ‘whip smart’ (The Irish Independent) this fresh comedy is a definite must see for 2019.

Original cast members Niall Buggy and Garrett Lombard reprise their roles of George and Michael respectively, with Kate Kennedy, Ruth McGill, Rory Nolan and Helen Norton completing the stellar cast.

‘Furniture is not sentimental. You can love it, but it won’t remember who you are.’

Tuesday 02 April 8:00pm Wednesday 03 April 8:00pm Tickets €25/€22 Conc.

DOONBEG HOSTS ALL IRELAND DRAMA FINALS

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XCITEMENT is building among the amateur drama community around the country ahead of the draw to decide the line-up for All-Ireland Confined Drama Finals 2019. The West Clare Drama Festival Members will host the draw this Sunday, March 31st at 2pm in Doonbeg Community Hall. The final results from qualifying festivals will be known on Saturday night and which will result in a scramble for the last few places for the All-Ireland Finals. To date 5 groups have already qualified including The Knocks Drama Group, Fermanagh with the “The Quare Land”; Mullingar Theatre Lab, Westmeath with “The Lonesome West”; Glenamaddy Payers, Galway with “Rabbit Hole”; Holycross/Ballycahill Drama Group, Tipperary with “The Beauty Queen of Leenane” and Skibbereen Drama Group, Cork also with “The Beauty Queen of Leenane”. The last 4 places will be decided by the results that the remaining drama groups receive on Friday and Saturday night as adjudicators give their verdicts at qualifying festivals around the country. The 9 groups will then gather at the Draw on Sunday in Doonbeg to witness what night they will be perform during the festival from Friday the 5th to Saturday the 13th of April.

Chairperson of the West Clare Drama Festival Rita Mc Inerney said “We are excited to be in the last weeks of the festival circuit ahead of the All-Ireland Confined Drama Finals coming to Doonbeg. All of the hard work of the committee over the past year is seeing fruition and we are looking forward to welcoming the top 9 drama groups to Doonbeg on Sunday for the draw. We are particularly excited at the prospect of meeting new drama groups who have never been to West Clare before and I am

sure forging new friends in drama. The aim of the West Clare Drama Festival is to ensure that each drama group receive a warm West Clare welcome and have a very enjoyable experience that will make them want to return in the future. However we also have to ensure that the facilities and setting are of the highest standard in what is a very competitiveness environment.

We are also confident that our audience will encourage and reward the drama groups in their efforts by showing the appreciation for what will be the top 9 drama groups in the country.”

“I would in particular like to pay tribute to the Doonbeg Community Hall Committee and the Community Employment Scheme of Doonbeg Community Development for the trojan work that has done over the past number of months in to upgrading and preparing the facility with the support of the Clare Local Development LEADER fund.

The West Clare Drama Festival recently launch a website dedicated to the All Ireland Finals and containing all the information people need to know about the upcoming Festival In another exciting first for the West Clare Drama Festival, the new web site has the capability for people to purchase their tickets on-line through http://www.westclaredramafestivaldoonbeg.com Tickets for all other nights are now on sale for e15 per seat and an 8 night Season Ticket for all of the other nights is available at a discounted rate of e85. Purchases can be made by card online at http://www. westclaredramafestivaldoonbeg.com or by cash, cheque or card by calling to the Doonbeg Development Office at the Community Hall between 9.30am-4pm Monday to Friday.

18 COLUMNISTS

REELING IN THE YEARS

with Cian O’Broin

THURSDAY, MAR 28 2019

Miriam O’Donohoe Join Miriam on her history tours to hidden locations of Clare

1976 H

CLARE HURLING IN NEW YORK 1976 was a turbulent time indeed in the history of Clare hurling. The psychological backlash of the defeat to Kilkenny in the league final replay and the wicked blow delivered by neighbours Limerick in the Munster Senior Championship two years previously, really rubbed some salt in the wounds.

Decadence and disarray sharply ensued and the decommission of Father Bohan as County Manager left the players with a deep sense of inertia.

Spirits were in need of a lift and in the Autumn of 1976 the team made its way over to New York, a breath of fresh air and some eclectic bonding top of their list. The transatlantic journey was originally organised by Father Bohan with the intention of taking part in a fundraiser to help rebuild the roof of the parish church in Crusheen. Father Bohan’s presence was sorely missed by the players, who colluded in an attempt to reinstate their former leader. Mistreatment and political misgivings within the county board, the poison arrow that sunk the captain.

This just didn’t sit right with the players and during their short time away they decided to set up a meeting to get a sense of the team’s opinion and connection to Fr Bohan. Shortly after, a coupe d’état was in order and Father Bohan received a phone call from the players detailing their intentions to restore some civility to the team. October 29, 1976 saw the spirit of Clare hurling return as several players took centre stage at the county board meeting and regaled with tales of glory and hopes and dreams for the future. Father Bohan was back. His first statement to the press held no punches and attacked the board for their mistreatment of him and his colleagues. Winning ways quickly followed suit, with a tight win against Tipperary at the end of the year the first step of an unbeaten campaign. The great Clare team of the seventies were on their way.

SIVE HITS CLARE STAGES

There are very few Irish legends left. I’m referring to the traditional, gentlemanly type that habituated rural Irish pubs throughout the previous century. Tilted tweed flat cap in hand and tormenting the local gentry with their tales of woe. John B. Keane was certainly a legend of the Irish literary scene and an insightful character indeed. His play Sive shook the nation and opened our eyes to the anachronistic antics of prearranged marriage and the mistreatment of young women.

The work produced mixed feelings amongst the public during its first staging in Listowel in 1959 after it was rejected by Abbey theatre. It wasn’t until 1985 that the play finally made its way to the top of the Irish food chain. In 1976, a theatre company called the Ennis Players brought the infamous play to the Clare stage. Hugh Gallagher directed the play over forty years ago with a tremendously talented cast.

The Ennis Players have won countless awards for their various performances and have amassed over one hundred thousand euros for local and national charities.

THE BRENDAN VOYAGE The Craggaunowen Visitor Centre is home to a fantastic piece of history which dates to the year 1976. What lies within is a boat used by historian Tim Severin to traverse the Atlantic Ocean. Doesn’t sound too remarkable?

Well, here’s the catch. Tim and four crew members undertook the voyage in an effort to prove that St. Brendan and his crew of monks were capable of discovering America five hundred years before Columbus.

The boat was made entirely of leather, the purpose being that only tools available to a sixth century monk were to be used. The journey began in Brandon, County Kerry in 1976 as they pushed on across the Atlantic Ocean by the Aran Islands. A year and 4,500 miles later led them to Peckford Island, Newfoundland on June 26th, 1977. Pronounced the ‘Brendan Voyage’, the boat is exhibited by the Shannon Heritage at the Craggaunowen Visitor Centre in County Clare. An interesting piece of experimental Irish history!

Be sure to pick up next weeks edition of the Clare Echo as we tackle ‘Reeling in the Years 1977’. Till next time…

The significance of an Iris for Ennis town...

I ALL,

Unfortunately for me, I didn’t get to go exploring this week as my car needed some repair work, alternatively I decided to head into my local town of Ennis and do a bit of window shopping. I always think that when it comes to immersing oneself in the history and culture of a town, or any place for that matter, walking is your only option. I also try to make a habit of going early in the morning, before the hustle and bustle of daily commuters, as at this time the town is usually a hive of activity with both shopkeepers and delivery men/ women preparing for what they hope will result in yet another successful day.

I love the way everyone greets each other as they pass. There is a great sense of belonging, of people caring and knowing each other, even if it’s just for a while it gives you a chance to experience the real character, atmosphere and charm that develops when the community is small enough to become intimate.

Ennis received the Friendliest town award in 2017 and it is indeed like travelling back in time, when everyone knew everyone and devoid of modern influences. As I entered the heart of the town I took a right at the Queens Hotel which led me into Abbey street car park. There I was unexpectedly, yet pleasantly greeted by what appeared to be an exotic tree which seemed to created a warm tropical effect on what was an otherwise chilly morning. On closer inspection I observed its distinctive characteristics as that of a delightful Iris flower.

But what is it doing here, I asked myself? After all, most of the sculptures around the town are of limestone and represent aspects of the town’s culture, historical and sporting events, however this design was unprecedented. Nonetheless I needed to determine its existence, so I made some local enquiries, only to be told that this metal creation had been skilfully and strategically placed in a bed of wild flowers alongside the river walk back in October 2018 as a result of the town being nomi-

l STUNNING: Conor Horgan of IBAL; Cllr. Michael Begley, Pat Dowling, CEO, Clare Co Council; Cllr. Clare Colleran Molloy; and artists Paddy and Conor Murray at the sculpture’s unveiling

nated the cleanest town in Ireland. This was news to me, as I recall being abroad at the time of this fantastic announcement.

Nonetheless I considered this floral arrangement a very fitting tribute which complements the existing landscape.

I also found it interesting to learn that the Iris’s history dates as far back as ancient Greece, where the Greek goddess (whose name was Iris) was the only divine messenger who served as a link between the Gods and the mortals through representation of the rainbow, which appeared to connect Heaven and Earth by extension.

Iris is also the Greek name for rainbow.

I also discovered that from the earliest years, Irises have been used both to produce fragrances and herbal medicine, for example aromatherapy and as a sedative .

With striking uniqueness and elegance, plus owing to their wide rainbow of colour, the Iris plant can convey deep sentiments and also have been known to communicate the languages of faith, hope, wisdom, courage, admiration, royalty and passion which in turn have strong positive effects on our emotional well being.

Whilst Irises can be unique and individual, they all share a common theme which is that nobody is ever disappointed when they receive a bouquet, as Irises are also considered the universal language of love. It has

also been expressed that the Iris serves as the national flower of various countries, as in France where it is represented in the Fleur de lys emblem [associated with the French Crown].

The Iris is also known as an aquatic plant which can often be located in riverbanks, marshes, ditches and bogs. It was assumed that the Iris herb had the ability to remediate water pollution as in absorbing heavy metals.

On reflection, I can appreciate the science and psychology in relation to its close proximity with the meandering Fergus which curves gently through our historical county town. I must say, I was equally delighted to discover that this 3.25 meter high steel sculpture which I suspect is a little ray of sunshine to all who discover it, was skilfully and cleverly designed by use of ancient techniques, yet with a modern philosophy thus capturing Clare’s love of flowers.

I trust that this yellow Iris with its outer petals drooping like flags will prompt and motivate both present and future generations to continue the same high level of cleanliness going forward.

Well, I better get a move on now as its time to collect my car.

Once again thanks for keeping me company along the way and I hope you will join me on my next trip. Bye for now.

PS: As with all historical sites, take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints.

Community THURSDAY, MAR 28 2019

ENNISTYMON

CYCLING THE CLIFFS OF MOHER Riverside Cycling Club Ennistymon host the Cliffs of Moher cycle challenge next Saturday, April 6, for the seventh time.

Cyclists from every county have signed up as well as representatives from the UK, Stockholm, Vienna, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Brussels, New York, Virginia, San Diego and Santa Cruz. Close to €30,000 has been raised for local charities and organisations in the history of the Cliffs of Moher challenge. Home Share Clare, Friends of Ennistymon Hospital and Ennistymon District Sporting Amenity Partnership CBS playground project are the 2019 beneficiaries. All cycles will start from Ennistymon Community Centre at 09:30, registration and route details can be found at eventbrite.ie

NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

CLARE YOUTH SERVICE AND KILRUSH YOUTH HOST OPEN HOUSE

AS PART of the 50th anniversary of Clare Youth Service, the public in West Clare were invited to view behind the scenes at the Kilrush Youth Project and Kilrush Garda Youth Diversion Project recently.

The event showcased the work of the young people in areas as diverse as art projects, personal development programmes, handmade remote-control cars, road safety, self-care and first aid.

A packed night also saw the presentation of First Aid Certificates to local young people who had completed certified training and whose skills and knowledge are now available to their families and community in the area.

The Kilrush Youth Project and Kilrush Garda Youth Diversion Project work with young people aged between 12 and 18 years of age. Projects include road safety awareness, drugs and alcohol information talks, sports programmes and personal development programmes.

The Open House Event was a massive success and left the young people of Kilrush filled with pride and accomplishment.

Pictured (above) Lisanne O’Brien, Destiny O’Brien, Tarina McCarthy with Julie Queally, Kilrush Garda Youth Diversion Project at the recent CYS Open House in Kilrush

COORACLARE

€5K FOR ENNISTYMON HOSPITAL Claire Collier - Director of Nursing at the Ennistymon District Hospital accepting a cheque for €5,000 from Marian McDonagh, James Clancy and Mark Clancy of Marie’s Foundation as a result of the 2018 Doolin Harley Fest run by Saoirse Maria MCC.’

CONTACT

KILRUSH

SPANISH POINT

ST. JOSEPH’S SPANISH POINT WORKING ON WELLBEING On Thursday March 14, St Joseph’s Secondary School held its inaugural ‘Wellbeing Day’, as part of their efforts to attain an ‘Amber Flag’. Spearheaded by Pieta House, the ‘Amber Flag’ initiative recognises the efforts of schools, companies, and groups to create healthy, inclusive environments that support mental well-being.

Through their promotion of mental wellbeing, St Joseph’s hopes to promote an inclusive environment where students feel supported as they navigate their way through their school years. On the day, students engaged in a wide variety of activities. Mindful walks, basketball, soccer, Zumba, Pilates and Jiving lessons encouraged students to get active, while drumming workshops and drama classes allowed students to de-stress.

Article written by Caoimhe Flanagan

COMMUNITY 19

FLAN MCMAHON MEMORIAL The ninth annual Flan McMahon memorial walk and run will be held in Cooraclare on this Sunday March 31. This event is in memory of the late Flan McMahon who was a member of the north Clare athletics club and who died tragically as a result of a road accident in Dublin. Registration in Cooraclare Hall from 11.30am with start time at 12.30pm. One can walk, run or jog along the route. Entry fee is €10 per adult and family rate of €20. Refreshments will be served in Cooraclare Hall together with presentation of prizes for winners. Proceeds are for the upkeep of Cooraclare Hall and Kilrush RNLI and further details can be had from Michael on 087 6731317.

EXPERTS FOR YOUR GARDEN NEEDS

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Whether it’s tarmac services or a mower you need, it’s all on our doorstep here in Clare

VERY possible gardening need you could ever have can be catered for right here in the Banner County. From garden centres and landscaping to machinery and conservatories, you are sure to find the right expert for you.

Cummins was established in 1991

by Declan Cummins. The business has expanded over the years and carries out all aspects of minor civil works including drainage, concrete works, kerbing, roads, car parks and domestic dwellings. Contact 086 843 1111.

gardening machinery needs. From log splitters to ride on mowers and accessories, they have you covered. They also stock top of the range bicycles.

Call them on 065 6842300.

GARDEN CENTRES

GARDEN MACHINERY

Vaughan’s Garden Centre This garden centre in the Gort Road Business Park in Ennis stock a huge range of Plants including; trees, heathers, roses, herbs, vegetables, climbers, hedging, fruit trees, fruit bushes and seeds. They also have a wide variety of house plants and garden care products. Give them a call on (065) 689 3408.

Maloney Garden Machinery Maloneys are your main Husqvarna dealer in Clare. They sell, service and repair all leading brands of landscape and garden machinery. They also stock a large range of Berg go-karts and quality power-tools such as DeWalt and Hitachi. 061-634300.

O’Donovan Marquees If you care about your garden, why not show it off? Often the perfect place for events like weddings and birthday parties, you can turn your garden into a stunning venue with the simple addition of a marquee. O’Donovan Marquees provide the finest quality frame marquees and interiors, together with a professional and reliable personal service. They cater for domestic and commercial events, so no matter how big or small the occasion, contact the professionals at O’Donovan Marquees, in operation for more than 15 years. Based just across the Shannon in Birdhill, Co Tipperary, you can contact O’Donovan Marquees on 061 379328 or by emailing podmarquees@ eircom.net.

Clonroad Gardening Centre Based in the Clon Road Business Park, they carry a large stock of high quality shrubs and perrenials, not to mention their amazing display of seasonal bedding. They have a wide selection of seeds including Unwins and Suttons. Contact: (065) 684 4333.

TARMACADAM Cummins Tarmacadam

Hogan Garden Machinery Located just behind Hogans Grocery Store, Hogans offer a vast array of products and services to suit any potential need you will have with your garden. With over 40 years’ experience and knowledge in this sector, they will provide the solution to any of your gardening needs. Contact: (065) 682 1020.

Harrys Ennis Mowers and Cycles Based in the Gort Road Business Park, Harrys will cater to all of your

OTHER SERVCES

Ennis Window Cleaning and Power Washing One of the largest locally based window cleaning and power washing

companies, Ennis Window Cleaning provide services to all residential, industrial and commercial sectors.

The Ennis firm has built their reputation on years of hard work and graft, and a dedication to customer service.

They provide a call out service to the residential market so if you’re too busy to get your windows cleaned, they will be delighted to do the job for you.

Contact Ennis Window Cleaning on 087 1385904 or email kevin@enniswindowcleaning.ie.

GARDENING

21

Watch your flowers grow Top 10 things to remember when caring for your flowers

Make sure they have enough light What’s the sunniest spot in the garden?

Give it to your flowers and they will love you for it.

Make sure they have enough water, but not too much A water logged plant is not a happy plant, especially if they are traditionally grown in dry conditions.

Keep an eye on the pot size. As a plant grows, it will need a bigger space for its roots. So check them every so often and switch up the pot if necessary.

As well as pot size, the type of pot you choose is very important.

Make sure the pot has a hole in the bottom for proper drainage and that it is sturdy enough not to crack easily.

Check for pests The last thing you want is your flowers eaten by bugs after putting so much effort into growing them. But be mindful of the type of insecticide you use.

Deadhead your flowers Removing the dead heads and foliage on your plants will help them to grow and live longer.

Consider using some fertilizer If the plants don’t have the right nutrients, they won’t grow. So check out the right fertilizer for your plant babies.

Don’t crowd your flowers. Although it may look really pretty to have the pot overflowing with blossoms, it will ultimately strangle your plants.

Weed often Again, unwelcome invaders will take over the pot if you don’t keep an eye on them. And make sure you pull them out by the roots.

Mind the Irish weather Unfortunately we are not lucky to live in the tropics. So if the dodgy Irish weather looks like it’s going to get rough, bring your pots inside to protect them from the elements.

22 GARDENING

Tool up; garden season has begun Are you fully prepared for the garden? Here’s the essentials to get started TROWEL: This is your new best friend.

It’s important to get one that’s the right size and weight for your hands, because you will be using this a lot. It’s useful for planting bulbs, weeding, mixing and potting.

WHEELBARROW: Particularly useful for those lucky enough to have a sizeable garden. Not just for carrying cut grass or distributing soil, it’s also handy for carrying your tools around. Invest in a plastic one with a hard wheel to avoid rust and punctures.

SPADE: More subtle and refined than the humble shovel, the spade is ideal not only for digging holes, but also for creating square edges and lifting soil. Again, you will need a good quality one as the last thing you want is for it to break in your hands.

SECATEURS: Also known as a pruning shears, pruners or clippers, this tool is your go to for shaping plants

and removing dead growth. A good secateurs will set you back a good bit, but they will last forever and will be able to handle bigger tasks.

HOE: Every self-respecting gardener should have one of these. It’s essential for weeding, cultivating the soil, edging the lawn and countless other jobs. There are lots of varieties so ask the advice of the shop assistant to find the best one for you.

GARDENING GLOVES: There is NOTHING worse than getting a thorn stuck under your nail.

The very thought of it gives us shivers. Protect your hands by wearing a pair of gloves. This will prevent callouses and will save you scrubbing your fingers clean.

FORK: A fork is one of the most hardworking tools in a gardener’s arsenal.

Use it for removing stones, breaking up clumps of soil, creating holes for seeds and mixing in fertilizer. l FAIL TO PREPARE...: Having the right tools is the first step to succesful gardening

GARDENING

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24 GARDENING

THURSDAY, MAR 28 2019

BUSINESS

CONTACT US WE’RE ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM #CE

THE SHARPEST TOOL

l RECOGNITION: Galway Utd soccer star Jeff McGowan, James McGowan and Neil McGowan of Toolman receiving an All-Ireland Business Foundation accreditation at Croke Park from Dr Briga Hynes of the Kemmy Business School at the University of Limerick.

Newmarket-on-Fergus-based one-stop tool shop Toolman was awarded coveted All-Ireland Business All-Star accreditation at Croke Park last week.

This is an independently verified standard mark for indigenous businesses, based on rigorous selection criteria.

Ennistymon tourism business consultant Tina O’Dwyer was also honoured with an All-Ireland Business Foundation Thought Leader in High Performance Tourism award, while Clare-based consultant, Mark O’Connell of Repcon, was awarded a Thought Leader in Strategic Economic Research award.

Photo by Conor McCabe

TIME TO GET LIPPY...

l IN SYNC: The students and staff of Shannon College of Hotel Management are taking to the stage in the Ultimate Lip Sync Battle. As part of their Event Management module, a group of final year students have organised the Lip-Sync event in aid of the Breast Unit in the University Hospital Limerick.

On the night, nine groups of students and lectures will perform, hoping to impress a panel of judges including a local celebrity eager to discover a star.

The Ultimate Lip Sync Battle will take place on the 11th of April in Shannon Town. For more information on the event and how to secure a ticket please contact the team on: shhentertainmentco@gmail.com Tickets are on sale now.

Pictured above out front on ‘Lead Guitar’ is Joseph Cashin.

Photo by Arthur Ellis

BUSINESS 25

26 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, MAR 28 2019

BUSINESS

CONTACT US WE’RE ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM #CE

Shannon CEO leaves his post

Care to Make a Difference?

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HANNON Group has confirmed that its CEO, Matthew Thomas, is to leave the Company in June to take up the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Ports of Jersey.

Mr Thomas joined the Group in June 2016 and oversaw a period of continuous growth across all of the Group’s activities. Under his leadership passenger numbers at Shannon Airport grew to 1.86 million last year (a growth of 6.5 per cent on 2017). Shannon Commercial Properties completed a €40 million investment in the first phase of its redevelopment of the Shannon Free Zone where occupancy rates of lettable space are now up at 94% and visitors to Shannon Heritage grew to a record high of almost 925,000.

Chairman Rose Hynes said; “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Matthew for this vital contribution to the growth of Shannon Group. The Group is now on a very positive footing, primed for growth. We are sorry to see Matthew go and we wish him and his family all the best for the future.

We now embark on the task of appointing his successor.”

Matthew Thomas added, “I feel privileged to have worked with an outstanding management team and, together with our dedicated and committed employees, we’ve really transformed the Group during the past three years.

“The Group’s strategy is very much aligned with the Ireland 2040 plan and the Group is set to play an even greater role in delivering economic growth in our region and helping Government deliver on its promise of generating 75 per cent of growth outside the capital.”

Mary Considine, who is currently Deputy CEO for the Group, will take on the role of Acting CEO when Mr Thomas leaves in June.

Home Instead seek carers in Clare region

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OULD you care to make a difference with Home Instead?

Are you an experienced carer who’s looking for a change, or a caring individual who’d like to bring your natural skills into the professional caregiving community?

Home Instead Senior Care, Ireland’s largest provider of non-medical care for older people, is hiring new and experienced carers across the whole of County Clare.

This long-established home care company is inviting applications from caring and compassionate people who want to make a difference in the lives of older people, and their families within the community.

Home Instead Senior Care provides a wide range of non-medical home care services, from companionship, personal and domestic care, to dementia care. Home Instead CAREGivers receive daily support from their office, the hourly rate of pay is competitive, and hours flexible. Whatever your aspirations in care, we have a role for you!

Home Instead Senior Care (Clare) is hosting a Recruitment Open Day, on Thursday 4th April from 10am until 4pm. This event is taking place in their Ennis office, Unit 16, First Floor, Roslevan Shopping Centre, Tulla Road. If interested in joining our team, call into us on the day to receive information in relation to job opportunities and training or contact our Clare office on 065 6797507, or apply online at HomeInstead.ie/Become-a-Caregiver.

We’re looking for compassionate and caring people to light up the lives of local seniors Join Ireland’s largest non-medical home care provider and work across County Clare

We Offer: • Competitive pay • CAREGiver support • Smart scheduling

Come to our Recruitment Open Day at our Clare Office from 10am-4pm on Thursday April 4, 2019 at Unit 16 First Floor, Roslevan Shopping Centre, Ennis or contact us directly:

HomeInstead.ie/Become-a-CAREGiver 065 679 7507

emer.oconnor@homeinstead.ie PRINT DEADLINE Copy will not be accepted after Tuesday at noon.

Email sales@clareecho.ie for enquiries

MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

FORD ‘SLEEP SUIT’ REPLICATES THE SENSATION OF DROWSY DRIVING

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BLUE OVAL TRYING TO COMBAT DOZING OFF BEHIND THE WHEEL

OST people know that a lack of sleep can make you grumpy, cause your skin to age more rapidly and affect your concentration, but sleep deprivation can also seriously impede your ability to drive safely with fatigue a being major factor in up to 1 in 5 road crashes.

According to experts, remaining awake for periods in excess of 18 hours can even impair abilities to a degree that is comparable to exceeding the drink drive limit in many countries. A Ford-commissioned “Sleep Suit” now enables wearers to experience in a safe environment the debilitating effects that tiredness can have.

“We added special goggles to replicate microsleeps; an uncontrollable response to tiredness that can mean driving blind for 10 seconds or more, even while your eyes are still open,” said Dr Gundolf Meyer‑Hentschel, CEO, Meyer‑Hentschel Institute, who developed the “Sleep Suit”. “I wouldn’t want to drive, or get in a car with someone, at this level of sleep deprivation and the hope is those who experience it will go away with

a greater respect for the importance of sleep.”

Connected to a smartphone app, the goggles can be set to simulate the brain shutting down and the driver effectively seeing nothing ahead of them for half a second, then for increasingly longer periods, up to 10 seconds. Worn together with a specially designed cap, vest, arm and ankle bands – with a combined weight of more than 18kg – the overall effect offers an insight into the degree to which tired drivers are impaired.

“Sobering up is the only cure for being over the legal alcohol limit to drive and sleep really is the only cure for tiredness. Pulling over when it’s safe to do so, then having a caffeinated drink and napping for 20 minutes can make a life or death difference, and if that doesn’t work then you should really find another way home,” added Dr Gundolf.

Transport accidents are the leading cause of death among young people, and in 2019 Ford is integrating training with the suit into its Ford Driving Skills for Life (DSFL), a free young driver training programme for 17- to 24-year-olds.

Renault MEGANE Hatch Now with a powerful petrol engine

Renault Mégane Hatch from €189 per month* AND €1,000 Cashback Take a 24-hour test drive to experience the 140hp petrol engine today Model shown: Mégane Hatch GT Line TCe 140 GPF, starting RRP €26,940. Includes €1,000 cashback. *Finance example: Mégane IV Play TCe 100 GPF. RRP €22,140. Deposit €7,730. Term 36 monthly payments of €189.

APR 3.9%. Total cost of credit €1,334 inc fees of €150. Optional final payment €8,790. Includes 3-year service plan. Offer exclusive to Renault Bank. Excess mileage plus excess wear-and-tear charges may apply upon return of vehicle. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Subject to lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply. See Renault.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made]. Renault Bank is a trading name of RCI Banque Branch Ireland and is authorised and regulated by the French banking authority and supervised by the Central Bank for conduct of business purposes.

HOGAN MOTORS ENNIS Gort Road, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel 065 6821704 www.hoganmotorsennis.ie

Book a test drive

MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

YOU TOO COULD INHERIT THIS FAMILY ESTATE HIGH QUALITY MAZDA 6 TOURER IS BUILT TO LAST THE AGES

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MAZDA 6 2.0 SKYACTIV-G TOURER

OT bad for a car we first drove in 2012, eh? That’s how long the Mazda 6, in its current form, has been around. A full seven years is a long time in the motoring world, these days, without a new model coming along, but the Mazda 6 — all but uniquely — shows no signs of tiring.

All of its mainstream competitors, from the Ford Mondeo to the Opel Insignia, from the Peugeot 208 to the Skoda Superb and Volkswagen Passat, have all been entirely renewed since this Mazda 6 was launched.

Indeed, Toyota in that time has even gone so far as to stop making the rival Avensis altogether, and is about to replace it with the new Camry.

Mazda does things a little differently, though. It has to — it’s a much smaller company than, say, the behemoth that is Toyota, so when it goes to the bother of designing an all-new chassis and engines (as it did for the original CX-5 and this 6) it has to make them last. So the 6 you can buy today is very similar to the 6 you could buy in 2012.

Well, not quite. The basics — the struc-

ture and the overall shape, and the essential bits and pieces of the engines — are the same, but unlike its rivals, who will give their cars a major update every three years and an all-new model every seven or so, Mazda prefers a strategy of continuous improvements. So the 6, instead of a major facelift, gets a series of smaller updates and upgrades every year.

So, for this year, items such the grille and lights are new — not so new as to be shocking, but you will see the difference if you saw this new 6 parked next to an older one. It’s much more handsome now. The grille is now deeper and more detailed, and the chrome surround is new.

The interior has also been given a good going over. The centre panel of the dashboard has now been stretched out into the doors, giving it a lower, wider look and the air vents are now finished in a lovely dark chrome that looks almost like titanium.

There’s a very impressive heads-up display too, which (fighter-jet style) projects your speed and various other warnings onto the windscreen, so that you have to look down into the cabin rather less when driving.

There is also a less tangible, but very real, sense that the 6 has moved up a class when it comes to quality, fit, and finish. When it was first launched, you could have accused the 6 of having a generic Japanese family

car cabin — well made but a bit heavy on the black plastic. Now though, it’s far more special both to the eyes and fingers. OK, so our pricey Platinum version was always going to show things off at their best, but the lustrous leather work, and the softtouch wood trim are just lovely, and are far closer to the likes of BMW and Audi than the Germans would probably like to admit.

The price of our test car was high— it’s a top-spec model, so it was listed at €40,195 — but for the money you do get a lot of standard toys, including radar cruise control, leather, an eight-inch infotainment system, lane-keeping steering, a kick-ass Bose stereo, heated, electric front seats, keyless entry and walk-away locking, and some very smart-looking 19-inch alloy wheels.

Ours also came with a petrol engine.

Now interestingly, Mazda Ireland says that while many people are deserting diesel, demand for black-pump models remains relatively strong, especially from rural buyers. Could this SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre petrol tempt those buyers out of their TDIs? It seems almost retro to be talking about a big family car with a 2.0-litre petrol engine, but it too has been updated, with a new fuel injection setup, and new pistons in search of greater efficiency. It develops a very decent 165hp, and a slightly less exciting 213Nm of torque. That means that, unlike most rivals’ turbo petrol engines, you’ll need to rev the 6’s motor hard to get at its performance, working fast through the slick, six-speed manual transmission.

That of course will hurt your fuel economy, but drive the 6 a little more gently and you should see high-forties MPG on a regular basis, which is not so very far away from diesel performance, and you get a sweeter, quieter engine into the bargain.

The 6’s trump card, though, is the way it drives. It can, occasionally, bobble and jiggle around on poor urban surfaces, but on the open road it’s just delightful. The

FACTS & FIGURES

Model tested: Mazda 6 2.0 SkyActiv-G Tourer Platinum Pricing: €40,195 as tested; Mazda 6 starts at €33,545 Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive Body style: family estate CO2 emissions: 155g/km (Band C €390 per annum) Combined economy: 43.5mpg (6.5 litres/100km) Top speed: 214km/h 0-100km/h: 9.4sec Power: 165hp at 6,000rpm Torque: 213Nm at 5,000 Boot space: 552-litres Safety: Euro NCAP rating for Mazda 6: Five stars: 95 per cent adult; 91 per cent child; 66 per cent pedestrian; 73 per cent safety assist

G-Vectoring system (basically clever stability control that fiddles with the engine’s power output and the brakes to help smooth out your control inputs) means that the 6 flows with a lovely fluidity from corner to corner, and on long motorway runs it’s exceptionally refined and comfortable.

It’s also hugely practical. This Tourer estate has a vast 552-litre boot which would shame most similarly-priced SUVs and crossovers, and it’s seriously good looking too.

It’s been around a while, this 6, but with such an enjoyable driving experience, and that lovely, deep feeling of quality, we suspect (and hope) it’ll be around for a bit yet.

Whatever tool we use, we always use our nut.

Every mechanic has the right tools.

What you want is the right technician.

That’s exactly what you get with a ŠKODA Service. Technical expertise from world-class technicians who live and breathe ŠKODA.

Al Hayes ŠKODA, Gort Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Tel: 065 682 2400 • www.alhayesskoda.ie

proudly supporting

Beautiful homes all over the County UNLOCK YOUR DREAM

Property

First look inside Sycamore Drive show house

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ITH the stunning show house open at Sycamore Drive, selling agents DNG O’Sullivan Hurley is giving our readers a sneak peek.

Phase One of the Keogh Homes development sold out in late 2018, while a limited number of homes are still available in Phase Two. The energy efficient family homes are located on a mature site on the Limerick Road in Ennis.

The first three phases include three-bedroom semi-detached homes with an option to convert the second floor to a fourth bedroom, while the last phase will offer larger units including three detached homes, which will be 4/5 bedroom.

Sycamore Drive will meet A-rating standards through its air to water heating system (which utilises heat pumps and offers underfloor heating), energy-efficient features including high levels of insulation and high-performance windows and doors.

Patrick Keogh, director of Keogh Homes, this week told The Clare Echo he is delighted with the end product of the show house of the 47-home turnkey development.

Keogh Homes have sourced local suppliers to ensure the highest standards are met at Sycamore Drive, with Phase Two homes starting at €270,000. The kitchens have been provided by Conor Whelan Furniture in Doonbeg, while the development’s interior designer, Trish O’Brien, has sourced everything locally. Ennis businesses including Classical Décor, Suttons Lighting and InHouse are the main suppliers for the home interiors.

Patrick explains, “I’m a big fan of keeping everything within Ennis town and the surrounding areas because obviously we all live in the town and contribute towards the community and we all want to give back as much as we can.”

Currently, 50 per cent of Phase 2 is up to roof level while Phase 1 is set for completion by this summer. Phase

2 includes two terrace rows, with homes offering the same interior layout as the Phase 1 semi-detached offerings.

Patrick adds that many returning families to Clare have been attracted to the development. “The equivalent of this in Dublin is making up to €600k for a smaller house. So the affordability and level of finish that we’re offering is attracting people.”

Patrick, who says that up to 30 people are working on site at any time, added that he is delighted with the finished product, which would not be possible without his hard-working team. “Everybody knows what we need to achieve so I wasn’t concerned about getting a product that I had visualised. I couldn’t do this without my own lads at Pat Keogh Construction, without DNG, Trish O’Brien and all our subcontractors.”

Please register your interest at www.sycamoredrive.ie or call the sole selling agents DNG O’Sullivan Hurley on 065 6840200 for more information.

Beautiful homes all over the County UNLOCK YOUR DREAM

Property KEENTLEA, CLIFDEN HILL, COROFIN, CO. CLARE OIEO €250,000 V95 K7C1

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OSITIONED on an elevated hillside plot, overlooking Lake Molly, Inchiquin & valley below, this remarkable three-bedroom house was renovated & extended as a zen-like retreat by it`s current owners. While its façade is unmistakably modern, Keentlea is designed with sensitivity, the result is an exciting space that`s simply flooded with light.

A cedar-clad contemporary extension added a striking light-filled addition in 2014. Renovations were made to the house over the years, with a focus on improving the inside-outside connection and the internal flow between rooms.

Located on a quiet road and approached via electric gates and gravel driveway, providing ample parking. Internally, the dynamic shapes are expressed by angles in the granite hearth (with stove), double height ceilings, all of which adds to the drama of the split-volume spaces.

Accommodation now flows between the various zones, with long views linking the spaces.

Entry is to a bright light filled lobby which leads to an open-plan floor with kitchen, dining area and steps to a living room with double height ceilings. Front-facing windows and floor-toceiling glazing across the rear aspect flood the space with natural light, whilst offering eye-level views into the canopy of trees, and to the valley & Lakes below. The lower level leads to three double bedrooms, one of which is en-suite and a spacious & luxurious bathroom.

The garden ( circa 1.3 acres) in its maturity and dramatic contours, offers an overwhelming sense of secluded wilderness. Steps made from railway sleepers meander through the captivating landscape of the steep decline.

Clifden Hill, on which the property is located, is approximately 2.5km from Corofin Village, which provides a good range of shops and cafes and is the gateway to the Burren region & the Wild Atlantic Way. Please contact location Location on 0656823718 full details.

GIVES YOU 12 MONTHS’ APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE TO MEET YOUR PERSONAL MORTGAGE ADVISOR JEAN STACK CALL: 086 783 2994 OR EMAIL: jean.c.stack@aib.ie DROP INTO AIB ENNIS

Warning: The cost of your monthly repayments may increase.

Warning: If you do not keep up your monthly repayments you may lose your home.

Warning: If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access credit in the future.

WARNING: YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP PAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT. WARNING: THE PAYMENT RATES ON THIS HOUSING LOAN MAY BE ADJUSTED BY THE LENDER FROM TIME TO TIME. The amount you can borrow depends on how much you can afford to repay, typically no more than 35% of your disposable income but will depend on your individual circumstances. Factors considered include your income, financial status and evidence of your ability to repay (including capacity to repay at higher interest rates). Maximum loan amount is 90% of the property value. Minimum loan amount is €25,000. Loans not available to people under 18. You must provide proof of income. Mortgage loans must be secured on the property. Mortgage protection and home insurance are required. You must pay for a valuation of your property. You must use a valuer from the list of AIB approved valuers and the valuation must be dated within 4 months of drawdown. Legal fees will apply, these fees will be determined by negotiation with your solicitor.

A typical €100,000, 20 year mortgage for an Owner Occupier Residential Property with LTV >80% will have a variable interest rate of 3.15%% and APRC 3.22%, and 240 monthly repayments of €561.72. If the interest rate does not vary during the term of the mortgage, the total cost of credit i.e. the total amount repayable less than the amount of the loan would be €35,088.04 (inclusive of €215.00 valuation report fees and security release fee of €60.00). The total amount repayable would be €135,088.04. The effect of a 1% increase in interest rates for such a mortgage will add €51.43 to the monthly repayments.

Source: CCPC.ie August 2018. Lending criteria T&Cs will apply. Rate is available to new and existing Private Dwelling Home mortgage customers. AIB’s variable rates may not always be the lowest. Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is an authorised agent and servicer of AIB Mortgage Bank in relation to origination and servicing of mortgage loans and mortgages. AIB Mortgage Bank and Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

LONDON

PROPERTY SHOW SHERRY FITZGERALD LONDON PROPERTY SHOW THURSDAY 25TH APRIL 5.30PM – 7.30PM At Strutt & Parker Head Office, Mayfair, London No matter what happens, people are always moving home to Ireland.

Let us showcase your property.

Register today by calling 065 686 7866 or visit sherryfitz.ie/london for your free market appraisal.

In association with

PSRA No: 001212

SPORT

THURSDAY, MAR 28 2019

35

Sweet victory for Sexton Clare lose out to Kildare in Div 3

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

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ECURING a place in Division 2 of the Allianz National Football League for 2020 brought “a sense of relief” for all involved with Clare but it was also “sweet” for Keelan Sexton.

One week previous when sprung from the bench against Meath, the Kilmurry Ibrickane attacker misplaced a pass that led to Graham Reilly’s goal that saw the Royal County on their way. It was a case of from zero to hero as it was Sexton in Semple Stadium that turned it around for Clare in their do or die clash with Tipperary, his 70th minute goal brought the Banner back to life and subsequent points from Gary Brennan and David Tubridy would seal the win.

Sexton recalled the lead-up to the goal, “The ball broke on the right hand side, Cian O’Dea was going for it with a Tipp man, he put 100 percent into it and threw whatever he had at it and got a leg to it. Jamie ended up winning it and they all went to Jamie, him being the dangerman that he is and luckily I snuck in the back door, got it popped to me and on another day you’d say take the point and get you back in but I just said all week I was going to go for the jugular so I took a sidestep got it on to my left and put into the corner, thankfully it went in”.

Though he leaped in the air to celebrate, Miltown’s Gordon Kelly was quick to bring his teammate down to earth. “It’s the highest I’ve ever jumped and then I remember Gordon Kelly saying ‘get your head out of the sky for the kickout’ and I saw we still had six minutes to go and we were only level. All of a sudden Gary stepped up, we won the kickout and it all fell for us”.

Before the ball was thrown in, Clare knew they needed to produce something that had been missing in their league campaign to date. “Both teams came down and just played, they knew it was a knockout game and we knew coming in that we had to put in a serious performance that we weren’t putting in for the

Clare 2-08 Tyrone 2-14

C l BIG MOMENT: Keelan Sexton punches the air after Clare’s third goal Photo by Martin Connolly last few weeks, thankfully everything came together”.

Recent games have seen the UL student have to settle for a place among the substitutes and he was determined to grab an opportunity if it was presented to him. “Coming into the game I really wanted to reward Colm and all the backroom for the faith he has put in me. I knew myself I wasn’t playing to the standard I was capable of and thankfully I got my opportunity”.

“It was sweet, I know it was a League game but it was up there with all the games we’ve played, it was like a sense of relief because you knew you didn’t deserve it and it was looking like that but we showed great character and got over the line,” he added.

Next week, Martin Daly reviews Clare’s leauge campaign

Make an art of the daunting flop shot

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HE flop shot is probably one of the most daunting shots in golf because to commit to this shot fully you have to take almost a full swing even though you are pretty close to the hole. A flop shot also should only be attempted if your ball is sitting up nicely, if for any reason your ball is sitting poorly this shot shouldn’t be attempted.

The main reason for this is due to the amount of bounce on the back of a wedge when you open the face fully and because of the high amount of bounce if you attempt a flop shot when the ball is resting poorly, then you can’t get under the ball and you will thin the ball.

A flop shot is generally attempted when you need to get the ball airborne as high as possible so it will land softly and not run out when it lands on the green. Generally the pin will be near you and you have little or no green between you and the flag. The first think I do before attempting this shot is check my lie to make sure it’s good enough to play this shot. Once I’m happy with the lie I then open up my highest lofted wedge fully like in the image (right) on the ground beside the ball. If you’re unsure, place a coin on the face of your wedge like in the image. The coin should not slide off the face of the wedge when it is sitting fully open.

Once your wedge is fully open on the ground, that is when you grip the wedge - make sure when you’re gripping the club that the face of your wedge is still facing towards the sky. Your ball position should be forward in your stance, somewhere between the centre of your stance and your front foot (the foot closest to the pin). Playing the ball closer to your front foot will help increase loft through impact helping the ball fly higher than if you played it further back in your stance.

Next you need to consider the distance you need to the ball to fly. Basically the longer the flop shot, the longer arc of a swing you will need to use, but remember for even short flop shots you

Littlewoods Camogie Div 3 LARE lost out to Kildare in their third league outing on Sunday in Meelick. The home side didn’t capitalise on the wind advantage in the opening half, which the visitors used to maximum effect in the second.

The opening score was for the Banner girls as Niamh O’Gorman won a free which her sister Kate converted, before Kildare sharpshooter Siobhan Hurley swung the balance with two frees. A Louise McDonnell cross-field ball then resulted in a scramble in front of the Kildare goal with Aisling Cahill getting the touch for a goal.

The Lilywhites responded well, Hurley on target with a point and then Aoife Fitzgerald deftly nipping in to strike to the back of the Clare net to put the visitors in front by two points. Clare dominated the next ten minutes, Regan Conway leading the charge with a point from play, before McDonnell added another to level the sides. A Kate O’Gorman free was followed

PGA Golf Professional

by a point from play from Conway to have the home side ahead by two points. Hurley converted a free just before half time to leave the score at Clare 1-5 Kildare 1-4.

Both sides rang the changes at the half time interval, Clare introduced Louise Browne and Kate O’Gorman moved to full forward, whilst the visitors introduced Lea Sutton who would prove to have a big impact, scoring two of the next four points, all of which went to the Leinster side. She followed up with Kidare’s second goal, which Kate O’Gorman answered by raising a green flag for Clare to level it with ten minutes left. However it was the visitors who dominated the closing minutes with a further six points to run out winners.

Clare: Edel McNamara Kilkishen; Rebecca Crowe Ruan, Rebecca Cahill Kilmaley, Jane Fitzgerald Inagh Kilnamona; Niamh Mulqueen Broadford, Kiah Mellett Sixmilebridge, Orlaith Cotter Inagh Kilnamona; Regan Conway Feakle 0-3, Ciara Halpin Clooney Quin; Sinead Power Inagh Kilnamona 0-1, Kate O’Gorman Kilkishen 1-2, Sinead O’Keeffe Kilmaley; Niamh O’Gorman Kilkishen, Aisling Cahill Kilmaley 1-0, Louise McDonnell Ruan 0-1 Subs: Louise brown Corofin 0-1 for A Cahill, Corina McMahon Corofin for R Cahill, Alisha Malone Corofin for McDonnell, Aoife Shannon St Josephs for Mellett

#PadraigKnowsGolf

Padraig McGrath

GOLF ANALYSIS

The Scorecard in association with

WOODSTOCK Club Singles Result March 24 1st Tom McKaigney(21) 44 pts 2nd Joe Casey (16) 43 pts 3rd Eugene Conroy (20) 40 pts Spring League Singles March 24 1st Michael Griffin (22) 43 pts 2nd Greg Fogarty (25) 41pts (B9) 3rd Tony Neville (12) 41pts

still need a longer arc of a swing than a normal chip shot swing because the ball is going to be launched much higher so more clubhead speed will be needed to generate distance with a flop shot.

When playing a flop shot, unlike a normal chip shot where your trying to land the ball before the hole, I imagine I’m trying to land the ball on top of the flag stick. This helps me to commit to striking the ball with speed knowing I’m trying to land the ball on top of the flag stick itself.

A flop shot can be a fun shot to play when you need it, however I don’t recommend you playing it in competition unless you have spent the time practicing it beforehand.

You need to build up the confidence to play this type of shot first before you attempt it under the pressure of a competitive round.

KILRUSH Senior Ladies Scramble March 19 1. Agnes Shannon, Margaret Griffin, Kathleen Haugh, Imy Kerrigan, 39.83 2. Margaret Hehir, Mary Young, Anne Cooper, Loretta Browne, 41.17 3. Marie Bartlett, Pauline Kirk, Muriel Kiely, 43.89 Senior Men’s Team March 20 1. John Saunders, Denis Nagle, Tom O’Dea 60.5 pts 2. Tom Coffey, Pat Shannon Cappa, Tom Cleary 58.5 pts 3. T J Lyons, John Donnelly, Pat Shannon Cranny 58 pts Mary Gleeson Ladies 12 Hole Singles March 21 1. Agnes Shannon 28 pts 2. Mary Lyons 24 pts 3. Mary McCarthy 23 pts (Back 9) 4. Joan O’Malley 23 pts ENNIS GOLF CLUB Seniors Social Group March 21 1st Paschal Russell & Michael Dempsey 43 Points 2nd Padraig Ryan & Johnny Cullinan (41) 3rd Michael Cummins & Michael O Mahoney (39)

4th Peadar Cosgrove & Sean Fitzpatrick (39) 5th Kevin O Connor & Tim Kelly (38) 6th John Guilfoyle & Tom Greene (38) 7th John Cullinane & Andy Cregan (38) 8th PJ Garry & Matt Flynn (37) 9th Tom Pilkington & Mattie Molyneaux (37) 10th Willie Donnellan & Brian Considine (37) Seniors Mixed Scramble March 19 1st Ann White, Della Burns & Peter Quinn 51 2nd Joan Cullinan Coote, Claire Kennelly & Ger O’Brien 51.3 3rd Kathleen Pyne, Bernie Brooks & Pat McInerney 52 4th Mary McMahon, Carmel Verling, Tom Woulfe & Eamonn Corry 53.25 Ladies S/F 13th - 19th March 1st Mary McMahon (20) 25pts 2nd Mary Lenihan (15) 25pts EAST CLARE Men’s Seniors 1st Teddy O Hanlon, Willie Roche, Seamus O Dwyer 2nd Ger Shortt, Enda Quinlivan, Michael Drew 3rd Tony Mc Nulty,, Pat Duggan, Terry Coughlan Ladies Wednesday 1st Bridget Hayes,Mary Stritch, Kathleen Reddan 2nd Eileen Donnellan, Mary Farrell, Joan Kinsella 3rd Catherine Murphy, Helen Downey, Bridget Minogue Friday Scramble 1st Sean Putt, Mary Hogan, Tony MccNulty, 2nd Willie Hayes, John Fahy, Mary Farrell 3rd Breda O Laughlin, John Nihil, Terry Coughlan

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QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, MAR 28 2019

The Clare Echo Quiz LEAGUE REVIEW QUIZ teams did Clare defeat?

Limerick, Tipperary, Kilkenny

Peter Duggan was Clare’s top 7 scorer in the league with 2-27.

But who was our second most prolific man with 2-7?

margin?

Tony Kelly, John Conlon, Ian Galvin

3

Clare faced Waterford in the 8 Quarter Final, but how many points did the Déise score in the

Who will Clare take on in the 10 first round of the Munster Championship?

Cork, Tipperary, Waterford

6. Kilkenny

Who will Clare play in the first 5 round of the Championship in May?

ANSWERS

Patrick O’Connor, David McInerney, Jack Browne

1.David Tubridy

1,421 | 3,516 | 6,099

9

lQUESTION 9: Who is pictured here on the ground against Limerick at Cusack Park?

Photo by Martin Connolly

7. John Conlon

4

Meath piled on the misery with a 5-point win at Cusack Park. But how many Clare fans came out to support the Clare men?

Who is pictured here (right) on the ground against Limerick at Cusack Park?

2. 9 points

Gary Brennan, Kieran Malone Cathal O’Connor

second half?

12, 20, 26

8. 20

It wasn’t until Clare’s fourth match against Fermanagh that they finally scored from a ‘mark’ – who scored it?

3. Gary Brennan

5 points, 7 points, 9 points

9. Patrick O’Connor

The Banner footballers followed 2 up that draw with a big win over Cork, but what was the winning

Clare finished third in Division 6 one following 2 wins, 2 losses and a draw. Which of the following

4. 1,421

in injury time?

Keelan Sexton, David Tubridy, Eoin Cleary

And now for the small ball...

10.Waterford

In Clare’s second round match 1player away to Armagh, which Clare snatched a draw with a goal

Cork,Tipperary,Waterford

5. Waterford

With the National Football and hurling league campaigns at an end for Clare, it’s time to check how closely you’ve been paying attention. First up, the footballers...

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

Ballinalacken Castle, Ballinalacken, Co. Clare

Image NLI.ie / Collection: The Lawrence Photograph Collection